Gov. Janet Mills has directed Maine DHHS to issue full SNAP benefits after the USDA indicated it intends to make full funding available in compliance with a federal court order.

Meanwhile, Maine Sen. Susan Collins said she is negotiating with a bipartisan group on a potential compromise to end the government shutdown, although any deal would have to be endorsed by Democratic and Republican leaders.

It's unclear when Maine residents will see federal SNAP benefits, but recipients will still get help from the state government.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that it is moving to send the money to states to distribute, even as the Trump administration appeals court decisions compelling it to fully fund food stamps.

Governor Janet Mills has directed Maine DHHS to issue those benefits starting Monday. It comes after federal courts directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funding during the ongoing government shutdown. Friday, the USDA said it intends to fully comply with the court order.

After her own battles with food insecurity, a Waterville resident is cooking meals for community members in need.

Thousands of low income families around Maine may be left scrambling for food on Nov. 1 as USDA says there's no money for SNAP benefits in November.

With roughly 170,000 Mainers about to lose federal food assistance and, in the absence of a state contingency plan, dozens of legislators are calling on the federal government to release emergency funds.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund SNAP benefits, despite a federal court ruling requiring full disbursement.

I appreciated the Maine Sunday Telegram’s Editorial Board position in “A lot done to ease SNAP fear in Maine. A lot more to do.” (Our View, Nov. 2). As stated, the current crisis “has shed valuable light on the precarity of day-to-day life for so many of us.

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - Republican leaders including former Gov. Paul LePage hosted a food drive Thursday. It was an annual tradition when LePage held office, but he says he’s bringing it back due to the suspension of SNAP benefits, also adding he hopes the government shutdown ends soon.